Fishing Examination Center (FEC)

Fishing Vessels Personnel

Fishing vessels in Egypt were operated by non-qualified crews who were trained by tradition. Consequently, this led to inadequacy in the use of navigational equipment, charts, and the calculation of the stability of fishing vessels, which resulted in increase in fishing vessels accidents, such as sinking, total loss, stranding, fires and collisions. In addition, the crews of fishing vessels did not hold marine certificates of competency for fishing vessels. Many fishing vessels were lost and the safety of the lives of fishing vessels personnel was exposed to dangers, in addition to polluting the environment.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F, 95)

This International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Fishing Vessel personnel was issued in the year 1995. This convention shall enter into force twelve months after being accepted by fifteen (15) States. So far, four (4) States: Russia, Ukraine, Denmark, and Iceland have accepted this Convention. This Convention pertains to the qualification of fishing vessels personnel. Chapter 2 is the core of the Convention it comprises eight (8) articles stipulating the minimum mandatory requirements for applying for marine certificate of competency for fishing vessels and the minimum knowledge required for obtaining this certificate.

Ministerial Decree No. 1005 for the Year 2001

Although Egypt has not yet accepted this Convention, this ministerial decree was issued according to the requirements of this International Convention. This ministerial decree comprises three annexes. The first Annex stipulates the admission requirements for each marine certificate of competency for fishing vessels, in addition to stipulating the minimum level of education and training required for obtaining the certificate. The second Annex comprises a practical training programme for non-qualified fishing vessels personnel to be held in assembly areas when fishing vessels are not in operation the aim is to issue equivalent fishing vessels marine certificate to those who pass examinations.

The ministerial decree stipulates a transitional period of ten (10) years starting from the date of issuing the decree, after which fishing vessels shall be manned by personnel holding fishing vessels certificates of competency. The third Annex contains the forms of certificates and licenses.

During the year 2003, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport trained a number of fishermen in Suez. In the period when fishing vessels are not in operation during the year 2004, they will be examined and those who pass the examinations shall be awarded the equivalent certificates. The same method will be applied in Port Said, Damietta, and Alexandria ports with a view to qualifying all non-qualified personnel during the transitional period. Three examinations for three sessions were administered in January 2003, July 2003, and January 2004. Forty-eight candidates (35 marine + 13 engineering candidates) sat for these examinations. They are currently serving in the market in the capacity of officer of navigational watch on board fishing vessels of 24 meters and above or a second engineer on board fishing vessels.

Fishing Examination Center (FEC)

The examinations of fishing vessels personnel are administered in the Examinations Centre in accordance with ministerial decree No. 1005 which stipulates four examinations annually to be held on the first of January, April, July, and October. As to non-qualified personnel, their examinations are administered in their assembly places when fishing activities cease (Annex No. 2, ministerial decree No. 1005). The dates of their oral and practical examinations are determined by the major committee in charge of implementing the said decree.